NFL preaches tolerance of gays, but some players ignore policy

As the first active male athlete in any professional sport came out as gay, the NFL took measures to make sure its teams create a tolerant environment.

The league disseminated a memo to teams repeating its anti-discrimination policy on Monday, before news broke that NBA player Jason Collins said he is gay through an essay he wrote in Sports Illustrated. Part of the NFL’s objective in the memo released earlier in the day was to “make sure that everyone understands that harassment and discrimination based on sexual orientation are contrary to our values.”

The memo warned against jokes about sexual orientation, generalizations and putdowns, unwelcome conduct and pornographic or suggestive literature or language. It noted that interviews with draft-eligible players and free agents could not include seeking information about sexual orientation or basing personnel decisions on it.

Reaction to Collins’ announcement was mixed among NFL players. Several players spoke out, including those who were part of an amicus brief supporting the cause that Proposition 8, which banned gay marriage in California, is unconstitutional. That case is being considered by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Former Baltimore linebacker Brendan Ayanbadejo said on Twitter: “By @jasoncollins34 opening doors & doing it his way on his time he has helped shape a more accepting America. May many more follow #courage.”

Vikings punter Chris Kluwe said: “Big kudos to @JasonCollins34. Living proof that your sexuality has nothing to do with your athletic ability.”

Eagles and former Texans linebacker Connor Barwin said: “Good for Jason Collins, read this article” and posted a link to Collins’ story in Sports Illustrated.

On the other hand, newly signed Dolphins receiver Mike Wallace tweeted: “All these beautiful women in the world and guys wanna mess with other guys SMH…” He later tweeted: “I’m not bashing anybody don’t have anything against anyone. I just don’t understand it.”

Wallace deleted both tweets shortly thereafter and apologized if he offended anyone. The Dolphins also released a statement reiterating Wallace’s apology.

Lions cornerback Alphonso Smith sent a series of tweets in which he said he would not applaud Collins for coming out as gay.

“2013 announcing that you are GAY is deemed as GOOD NEWS — & the moment someone disagree they are a villain, prejudice, or may lose their job,” one of his Tweets said.

No active NFL players are publicly gay, though the topic became prominent leading up to the Super Bowl after 49ers cornerback Chris Culliver said during a radio interview he wouldn’t want a gay player in his locker room. Culliver later apologized for his comments.

Commissioner Roger Goodell, in a meeting with sports editors in New York last week, said: “Our policy is not one of just tolerance but acceptance.”